Picnic Recipes and Tips

Somehow, food always tastes better outdoors. Whether you're heading to the beach, mountains, meadow or just the back yard, pack up these foods for a fabulous "take-out" meal. And don't forget to read our tips to make sure your al fresco dining experience is a breeze.

Appetizer Recipes

• Copper Pennies
• Pimiento Cheese
• Puff Pastry Cheese Twists
• Emeril's Spiced Nuts
• 4-Pepper Deviled Eggs
• Fruit Butter

Side Dish Recipes

• Antipasti Salad
• Creamy Cole Slaw
• Black-eyed Pea Salad
• Macaroni Salad
• Ratatouille with Feta, Green Olives, and Almonds
• Veronica's Potato Salad

Main Dish Recipes

• Miss Leslie's Ham Salad on Biscuits
• West 52nd Street Steak Sandwich
• Muffuletta Sandwich on Sourdough Bread
• Corn on the Cobb Salad Wrap with Grilled Onion Blue Cheese Dressing
• Gussie's Fried Chicken with Pecan-Honey Glaze
• Greek Orzo and Grilled Shrimp Salad with Mustard-Dill Vinaigrette
• Grilled Tuna Salad Sandwiches with Lemon-Habanero Mayonnaise and Watercress
• Caponata Picnic Sandwiches

Dessert Recipes

• Summer Fruit with Wine and Mint
• Bittersweet Double Chocolate Coconut S'mores
• Chocolate-Crusted Coconut Bars
• Chocolate Toffee Bites
• Paper Cupcakes
• Super Lemony Lemon Squares
• Watermelon and Cantaloupe Salad with Mint Vinaigrette

Drink Recipes

• Italian Lemonade
• Blackberry Lemonade
• Summertime Litchi Iced Tea
• Mint Iced Tea
• Mango Iced Tea
• Iced Tea with Grenadine
• Half and Half with Lemonade Ice Cubes
• Aqua Fresca di Frutta

Keep these simple tips in mind to ensure your day is all about rest and relaxation.

• Freeze drinks the night before. Not only will your drinks stay cold the next day, they'll help keep your food chilled.
  
• To keep your picnic festive, bring a colorful and comfortable blanket. Extra towels can serve as pillows when sunbathing or napping.
  
• Set up your picnic in the shade.
  
• Although baskets can be quite stylish, a cooler packed with ice is safer.
  
• Make sure foods that are meant to be served cold are thoroughly cooled before packing.
  
• If you're driving, transport your cooler in the air-conditioned car, not in the trunk.
  
• Throw away any food that's been out of the cooler for more than an hour.

Supplies

When packing a picnic, don't forget these essentials:

• Blanket
  
• Insect repellent
  
• Napkins
  
• Plates
  
• Silverware
  
• Serving utensils
  
• Cups and wine glasses
  
• Corkscrew or bottle opener
  
• Paring knife
  
• Cutting Board
  
• Condiments
  
• Damp wipes or cloths for washing up
  
• Garbage bag